Cacio e Pepe is a super simple pasta dish.
Before you assume that means it’s easy to make, think again.
The name of the dish pretty much explains exactly what it is: cheese and pepper.
That’s right – just three ingredients.
And they’re all items that are most likely already in your kitchen cupboard, so you don’t have to run out to the store before making this super easy dish.
Since it is such a simple dish, the only way to screw it up would be to add too many ingredients and overcomplicate things.
If you’re looking for an easy but delicious pasta recipe, here’s your winner.
Cacio e Pepe also makes a fantastic starter for more complex dishes, or it can even be served as its dish.
Traditionally, it is made with spaghetti, but you can easily sub the pasta for another variety that you have on hand.
Don’t have spaghetti? Use linguine or fettuccini – be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly because the thicker the noodle, the longer it will take to cook.
You can serve many side dishes with cacao e Pepe – here are 8 of our favorites.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Cacio e Pepe?
It is no surprise that traditional Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza are becoming more and more popular in the US.
Cacio e Pepe, a type of pasta made with cheese and pepper, has been one of the most popular menu items amongst Italians for centuries.
The delicious taste and simplicity make this dish so appealing, but why consider serving side dishes?
Cacio e Pepe is traditionally cooked in very simple ways- with lots of cheese and pepper.
However, it is important to remember that the side dish should complement the main course, not overshadow it.
Another reason why side dishes are important is to maintain a balanced diet.
While Cacio e Pepe may be delicious, it can lack other food groups such as vegetables and grains.
Side dishes that offer a variety of nutrients prevent you from overindulging in pasta- which can mean unnecessary weight gain.
So, when choosing side dishes for Cacio e Pepe, pick ones that complement the pasta dish.
Offer lots of options so your guests can enjoy a nutrient-rich dining experience.
What to Serve with Cacio e Pepe? 8 BEST Side Dishes
Here’s a list of 8 side dishes that would compliment Cacio e Pepe perfectly.
1 – Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is a classic that even adults enjoy. Serve it as a side dish to chicken-fried steak with gravy and mashed potatoes.
The creamy, cheesy sandwich will be a great contrast against the salty, savory gravy.
To make grilled cheese, butter one side of two slices of bread for each sandwich you want to make.
Place a slice of cheese between the buttered bread and place it in a frying pan, butter-side down, over medium heat.
When the bread is browned lightly on one side, carefully flip it over with a spatula to brown the other side.
Serve as desired.
2 – Avocado and Tomato Salad
When it comes to healthy salads, few recipes can rival the southwest flavors found in an avocado and tomato salad.
This dish is packed full of nutrients, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.
Combine chopped tomatoes and avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
The result is a light and refreshing salad perfect for any occasion.
You can use this recipe as a main course or a side dish.
It’s also great for packing in a lunchbox or taking on a picnic. In terms of nutrition, this salad is a powerhouse.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while avocados provide healthy fats and fiber.
Combined, these ingredients make for a filling and satisfying meal.
3 – Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that can be served as an excellent side dish.
Other easy and delicious sides to serve with deviled eggs include cornbread, coconut macaroons, and pecan pie.
To make deviled eggs:
- Hard-boil your eggs by boiling them in water for about fifteen minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Cut each egg lengthwise and remove the yolk with a spoon to your mixing bowl.
- Add mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper as desired to your mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients in a bowl until the mixture is smooth, then stuff the “egg” back into the skin of each half of the egg.
Deviled eggs are a classic option for an easy and delicious side dish.
4 – Cornbread
Cornbread is fun to make and even more fun to eat. Serve it with chicken-fried steak with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Making cornbread is easy.
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
Next, in a large bowl, combine cornmeal with baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Then add milk, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and honey (or sugar) to your mixing bowl.
Use a spoon or whisk to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into your greased pan, being careful not to over-fill it.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Cornbread is easy and delicious.
5 – Caprese Salad
One of the most popular salads in the world is the Caprese salad.
This dish features fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves.
It’s simple to make, but it is stunningly beautiful and incredibly delicious.
The key to a great Caprese salad is using the freshest ingredients possible.
Start by finding good-quality mozzarella cheese. It should be soft and slightly sweet.
Then, look for ripe tomatoes that are firm but not too hard.
The final ingredient is basil. Make sure to use fresh leaves, as they will provide the most flavor.
6 – Biscuits
Biscuits are a great side dish to serve with almost anything.
Other popular options for serving with biscuits include honey butter, cornbread, or macaroni and cheese.
Biscuit dough is easy to make.
To start, you will need baking powder, flour, salt, shortening, and buttermilk.
Combining the baking powder with the salt will eliminate any metallic taste.
Then, start with the flour.
Add baking powder and salt to your mixing bowl, then add shortening to the dry mixture.
You can use your hands or a pastry cutter if you have one. Next, slowly add buttermilk into your dough until it is fully mixed.
Flour a cutting board and shape the dough in the desired size for your biscuits.
Cook for about 20 minutes or until the tops are browned. Biscuits are an excellent side dish to serve with almost anything.
7 – Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes are also a great choice as an easy and delicious side dish.
You can top your potatoes with chives, green onions, cheese, or gravy.
To make mashed potatoes:
- Peel and quarter your potatoes.
- Place them in a pot of water and allow them to boil for about twenty minutes or until soft enough to mash with a fork or spoon.
- Drain the water from the potatoes – then add salt, pepper, butter, garlic powder, milk, and sour cream.
- Mash with a masher or fork until fluffy.
Mashed potatoes are easy and delicious.
8 – Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Ranch
This wedge salad is a classic favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.
It features crisp iceberg lettuce wedges, succulent cherry tomatoes, and creamy blue cheese dressing.
The best part is that it’s easy to make and can be tailored to your taste preferences.
You can use either store-bought or homemade blue cheese dressing for the dressing.
You can also substitute the blue cheese with another type of cheese, such as feta or cheddar.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing this salad!
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make salad, look no further than the wedge salad with blue cheese ranch. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to please a crowd.
Conclusion
So next time you make Cacio e Pepe, be sure to serve it with any one of these eight best side dishes.
Or try all of them.
No matter what meal you are making, there is a side dish for your appetite. Cacio e Pepe goes well with almost anything.
Try serving it with any of the following eight best side dishes: cornbread, macaroni, and cheese, biscuits, mashed potatoes, baked beans, or any one of the other options we’ve suggested.
If you want to try all of our suggestions in one meal, go ahead.
Or choose your side dish ideas – the possibilities are endless.
What to Serve with Cacio e Pepe? 8 BEST Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Grilled Cheese
- Avocado and Tomato Salad
- Deviled Eggs
- Cornbread
- Caprese Salad
- Biscuits
- Mashed Potatoes
- Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Ranch
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!